Commentaries on this Media!

Alternatives to classical continuity editing: 360-degree space in Tokyo Story

This scene from Tokyo Story demonstrates an editing practice that systematically disregards the 180-degree rule. On this interior set, Ozu cuts to framings that encompass a full 360-degree space, which becomes apparent near the end of the clip with the entrance of a new character. At this point, the screen orientation of the older couple shifts. In the earlier shots, he is on the right of the frame and she is on the left; after the daughter enters, their positions are reversed.